Ekko Astral
pink balloons
Topshelf Records [2024]
Album Overview: Ekko Astral emerged in 2021 from the vibrant music scene of Washington, DC. Founded by Jael Holzman and Liam Hughes, the band was initially a duo before expanding to include Miri Tyler, Guinevere Tully, and Sam Elmore. Their formation was driven by a shared passion for creating music that not pushed the edges but also carried a message of defiance and community building. pink balloons marks Ekko Astral’s entrance into the music world with a bang. Sometimes you just know when a record is special and that is the case with one spin of pink balloons. This debut album is a sonic boom that intricately weaves together elements of bubblegum noise punk and no-wave art rock. With lyrics that confront the pervasive gender-based violence in American culture, the album serves as a powerful manifesto of resistance and solidarity.
Musical Style: Ekko Astral’s musical style defies easy categorization, blending the raw energy of post punk with the experimentalism of no-wave. Their sound is characterized by relentless energy and a willingness to push the boundaries of conventional rock music. From frenetic post-punk passages to walls of harsh noise that then can create melodies out of nowhere, Ekko Astral’s music is a visceral experience that demands attention.
Evolution of Sound: Ekko Astral’s sound is a path of rebellion and resistance. Beginning with sparse post-punk arrangements, the band gradually layers on distortion and noise, creating a cacophony that mirrors the complexities of the world they see. Each track on pink balloons adds a new dimension to their sound, building towards a peak of chaotic beauty.
Artists with Similar Fire: Ekko Astral shares similarities with bands like Sonic Youth, whose blend of noise and melody paved the way for the no-wave revival. Like Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, Ekko Astral’s music is unapologetically political, using punk as a vehicle for social change. More recently, I would say Mannequin Pussy is a group that compares well with Ekko Astral’s, however, both groups sound is uniquely their own and can’t be pigeonholed.
Pivotal Tracks: “head empty blues” strikes first with its strong attitude and spiral of chaos music delivery that confronts social issues. “baethoven” serves as a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced as Holzman’s vocals have a similarity to the fierceness of Amy Taylor (Amyl & The Sniffers). “devorah” stands out with its quiet outer space beginning before taking off and ripping along with its almost 6 minute runtime. “i90” closes out the record gracefully and features indie musician Josaleigh Pollett with its choir like beginnings that blends with a noise drum crashing feedback power that is memorable as the song grooves for over 8 minutes.
Lyrical Strength: Jael Holzman’s lyrics are the heart and soul of Ekko Astral’s music, biting back against the terrors of the norms with wit and ferocity. Her words paint a vivid picture of the anxieties that haunt her daily life, while also offering moments of solidarity and hope. From the playful wordplay of “head empty blues” to the urgent plea of “devorah,” Holzman’s lyrics are a powerful force for change in a world that too often seeks to silence marginalized voices.
EKKO ASTRAL LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Topshelf Records
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